Wellbeing and nutrition-related side effects in children undergoing chemotherapy
2006
IKEDA, E Beatrix | COLLINS, Clare E. | ALVARO, Frank | Marshall, Glenn | Garg, Manohar L.
To describe wellbeing and nutrition-related side effects in a group of paediatric oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy, and to examine associations with nutritional status, disease and treatment-related factors. Cross-sectional survey of patients attending the Sydney (n = 41) or John Hunter Children's Hospitals (n = 13). Wellbeing was assessed using the Multi-attribute Health Status Classification Scheme (MHSCS) and the Play Performance Scale (PPS). Disease and treatment details were obtained through patient and parent interviews and audit of medical records. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Twenty-four per cent and 33% scored maximum points on the MHSCS and PPS, respectively. Advanced stage of solid tumour or lymphoma was associated with worse MHSCS scores, P = 0.008. Longer time on treatment correlated negatively with PPS scores (r = -0.35; P = 0.030). The most frequent side effects were nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting and changes in taste. While 67% experienced five or more side effects concurrently, the number increased with length of time on treatment (r = 0.38; P = 0.006). Of the 23 patients experiencing five or more side effects, only two had been seen by a dietitian in the previous two months. Nutrition-related side effects are common in children undergoing chemotherapy, with the number of side effects not decreasing over time. While wellbeing scores were generally satisfactory, those with advanced stage of solid tumour or lymphoma, or with longer time on treatment, reported lower scores. We recommend that all paediatric oncology patients are referred for dietetic review, even those in the later stages of treatment, in order to optimise nutritional status and wellbeing.
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